Y2k Foibles Could Start In `99

Local governments have spent millions trying to make sure the Year 2000 problem doesn't cripple their computers when the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2000.

But their first skirmish with the notorious millennium bug might come much sooner than that.

On New Year's Day, government computer programs that deal with events or deadlines in the future -- for instance, jury duty notices, budget projections and building permit expirations -- will start filling up with dates in 2000.

If the systems aren't ready, analysts say, there could be a preview of technological meltdowns.

Palm Beach County officials say they are confident that they have the situation under control.

But just in case, county staffers were warned this week to back up all of their computer files before New Year's Eve so no vital information will be lost if there's a glitch.

"There are a number of critical fail dates that we've been preparing for," said Irene Manning, the county's Year 2000 project coordinator. "The strategy we used was deliberately to avoid having any surprises."

At this point, Manning said the county has finished all modifications to its computer systems and is in the final testing phase. The county gave forward-looking programs top priority, she said.

Other critical fail dates on the horizon include:

April 9, 1999: The 99th day of the 99th year may cause problems.

July 1, 1999: Most local governments will begin their new fiscal year.